“We know each and every day, we have attempted intrusions into the state system,” according to Sheehy. “We saw just several months ago at the University of Nebraska the amount of information that was taken. We have heard from credit card companies.”

The Cyber Security Alliance is a non-profit public-private partnership that attempts to raise awareness about the threats to financial transactions through the Internet and help citizens keep their information safe. It will partner with the United States Department of Homeland Security and others to hold various activities throughout the month under the theme “Our Shared Responsibility.”

A morning launch event will take place, followed by an afternoon business summit, featuring industry experts from companies such as ADP, VISA, Microsoft, PayPal, AT&T, Verizon, McAfee and Symantec. NCSA has partnered with McAfee on a survey of America’s online habits and the safety precautions they do or do not take.

Sheehy says cybercrimes are a growing threat.

“It’s very important that we continue to be vigilant in this new environment that we call cyber security to make sure that we protect everyone’s information,” Sheehy says.